On Location Nov 08 – Bhutan

"Bhutan is truly a land of breath-taking beauty, far reaching mountain views, terraced farmland, dramatic river valleys and glittering streams...it has certainly left an everlasting impression on me", writes Charlotte Lawton (Charlie), Country Director for India & Bhutan.

"Have I just arrived in the Shire?" my sister whispered as we landed in Bhutan, a small, far flung kingdom hidden away in the heart of the Himalayas. Her reaction made me chuckle but I knew exactly what she meant as its beauty once again surprised me even though I had visited before in 2004.

Our journey began in Thimpu, the capital of Bhutan, and most unlike any capital you will visit in the world. An easy, gentle pace of life, the local people go about their daily lives, with warm smiles and a geniune interest in your presense in their country. Although tourism has been developing here for some years I was relieved to find that nothing had significantly changed since my first visit, even with the introduction of new luxury hotels and increasing tourist numbers.

Thimpu still has no traffic lights - the only capital city in the world not to have them - and the local people still wear their national dress and haven't given up the very smart "Goh" and elegant "kira" for jeans, t-shirts and trainers. New hotels and businesses are being constructed, with sensitivity in accordance to the strict building regulations applicable across the country and 'Gross National Happiness' is still very much the phrase of the moment.

Continuing east from Thimpu we took the road to Punakha, which is well worth the visit for the change in climate, altitude, landscape and the magnificent Dzong (monastery). Situated between two mighty rivers, the Pa Chu and the Mo Chu, the monastery dominates the valley with it's golden roof glowing in the sunlight. You could spend a whole day here watching the local people coming to pray and experiencing the numerous ceremonies held by the head monk. We were lucky enough to witness the younger monks chanting and playing their musical instruments.

We also visited the Probijkha Valley, otherwise known as Gangtey, a few hours drive from Punakha. The valley floor, a marshland where Black Necked cranes come to rest for the winter, is breathtakingly beautiful. Travel here at any time of year is special but during the spring time the valley floor comes alive with colour, a patchwork of purple flowering buck wheat and yellow mustard seed. Dotted around are houses and farms, all beautifully constructed in traditional Bhutanese style.

We had no time to journey further east to central Bhutan and the Bumthang Valley so returned back west to Paro, another pictureque valley and home to the better known tigers nest Monastery or "Taksang". This was without a doubt the highlight of our trip, albeit a rather strenuous climb to reach it, it was well worth the effort.

Bhutan truly is a land of breath-taking beauty, far reaching mountain views, terraced farmland, dramatic river valleys and glittering streams, of people who are never in a hurry but are full of life and of unique architecture and impressive and colourful Dzongs. I can confidently say that anyone who visits this incredible land cannot fail to be affected by it's beauty, spirituality and uniqueness. It has certainly left an everlasting impression on my sister and me.